There seems to be something in the air of Dagestan that produces elite-level fighters. It is the home of former UFC lightweight champion and GOAT contender, Khabib Nurmagomedov. As well as current lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev and Bellator champion Usman Nurmagomedov.

Makhachev has spoken about the tough life in the Russian province involving a lot of physical labor, as well as wrestling being the primary sport that children take up for the tough and resilient people there. And another example of what Makhachev talked about is UFC light heavyweight Magomed Ankalaev. This may raise the question in some people’s minds- is he related to Khabib Nurmagomedov?

Is Magomed Ankalaev related to Khabib Nurmagomedov?

No. Magomed Ankalaev is not related to Khabib Nurmagomedov. Both are from Dagestan, and Ankalaev fights out of Makhachkala, the same place Khabib’s protege and teammate Islam Makhachev fights out of. Khabib and Ankalaev, however, do belong to the same Avar ethnic group. Interestingly, Khabib also has an older brother who is named Magomed.

So, they do share their ethnicity and province of origin but are not related through family and blood to each other. While Khabib trained at the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, California, Ankalaev belongs to the Gorets gym based out of his native Dagestan. Both are, however, devout Sunni Muslims.

Who is Magomed Ankalaev?

Magomed Ankalaev is a Russian professional mixed martial artist who currently fights in the UFC’s light heavyweight division. As of October 2023, he is ranked #2 in the division. He is also a former light heavyweight champion of the World Fighting Championship Akhmat (WFCA), an MMA promotion in Russia. He graduated from the sports faculty at the Dagestan State University. It was here that he began training in Greco-Roman wrestling. He subsequently moved on to combat sambo and attained the titles of Master of Sport in fight sambo and International Master of Sport in amateur MMA.

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Ankalaev made his professional MMA debut in 2014 and was 9-0 when he joined the UFC in 2017. He was defeated by Paul Craig in his UFC debut via submission, the only defeat on his record. The Dagestani subsequently went on to win nine straight fights, four by knockout and one by submission. He possesses excellent striking capabilities, particularly his vicious kicks, as well as his great wrestling and takedown defense.

Ankalaev is scheduled to fight the #7 ranked light heavyweight, the Brazilian-Irish fighter Johnny Walker at UFC 294 on October 21. The winner may be in line to fight for the UFC’s light heavyweight title after the Pereira – Prochazka title co-main event bout slated for UFC 295.

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